MANILA, Philippines – Ysa Jimenez is the newest rookie to step up for the peaking University of Santo Tomas (UST). 

The open spiker was a revelation for UST head coach Emilio "Kung Fu" Reyes after  tallying 10 points to help the Tigresses dismantle the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors on Saturday, April 6 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We’re very happy na nagperform na siya (Ysa Jimenez) kasi ngayon lang iyan nabigyan ng time at nagkaroon ng magandang resulta yung ginagawa namin sa ensayo,” shared Reyes. 

(We’re very happy that Ysa perfomed well because this was the only time that she played heavy minutes, and thankfully, the results of her training finally showed.)

Reyes also applauded Jimenez's dedication and hardwork in practice as the rookie has been doubling her efforts in training.

"Ito na yung reward niya para sa sarili niya, nakikita na yung resulta ng hardwork. Maging motivation sa 'yo na lahat ng pinaghihirapan, mayroong reward palagi"  said Reyes.

(This is her reward for herself because she's finally seeing the result of her hardwork. I hope this will also serve as motivation that hard work will be rewarded.)

Jimenez's breakout gamed proved timely as she came to aid struggling veteran Dimdim Pacres in the opening frame.

The rookie spiker admits she poured in a lot effort in training just like what Reyes said, so she hopes to ride on her hot momentum.  

"Masaya po kasi yun nga sabi ni coach, grabe talaga yung training na inooverload ko kasi kailangan na mataas yung confidence ko, yung consistency tsaka siyempre ayaw ko na masira yung binibigay na tiwala ni coach, yung ganito nga yung mabigyan ako ng opportunity na matagal na playing time," said Jimenez.

(I’m happy because just like what coach said, I overloaded my training mainly because I need to boost my confidence and for me to be more consistent and I don’t want to let my coach and team down.)

And Jimenez vows she'll always be ready. 

"Gusto ko lang na iprove din na every time na kailangan nila ako, makapagcontribute ako." 

(I just wanted to prove that every time the team needs me, I can contribute.) – Wilmyn Migguel See/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – For the first time this PBA season, San Miguel’s Terrence Romeo suited up and played against his former team, the TNT KaTropa.

And it turned out to be a good day for the ever controversial guard, who finished with a team-high 15 points off the bench. 

More importantly, the Beermen escaped with an 80-78 win for a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three Philippine Cup quarterfinals series.

For Romeo, the win was all that mattered. 

“No, no, [walang extra motivation]. Pareho lang ng lahat nang nilaruan ko na playoffs,” he said after the nail-biting comeback. “Same lang, kailangan naming manalo para mag-move forward sa next round.”

(There was no extra motivation. It’s the same with all the playoff games I played. We just needed to win to move forward in the next round.) 

“Excited na makalaro ulit sila pero yun nga, ang goal di naman Terrence versus TNT,” he continued. “[It’s] San Miguel versus TNT so ang goal is manalo kami and thank God binigay niya sa amin yung panalo.”

(I was excited to play against them, but the goal isn’t Terrence versus TNT. It’s San Miguel versus TNT and the goal is to win. Thank God he gave us the win.) 

Romeo was unable to play against his former team last January 27 due to a left ankle sprain and was forced to watch San Miguel absorb a 93-104 loss. 

Now that he’s fully healthy, however, it’s back to business for the standout FEU alumnus.

“Sabi lang ni coach laruin yung game namin tapos execute lang namin yung game plan namin,” he said. “Pag ine-execute namin yung plays namin, marami kaming nakukuha eh. Nakita lang namin yung advantage namin siguro sa pick-and-roll and minaximize namin.” 

(Coach just said to play our game and execute our game plan. When we execute our plays, we get a lot of stuff. We just saw our advantages and the pick-and-roll and maximized those.) 

Romeo did raise some eyebrows after he mentioned TNT’s Jericho Cruz and former KaTropa RR Garcia in the post-game, on-court interview, but he also brushed off any issues with it.

Garcia was released by TNT mid-conference while Cruz was recently relegated to the injury list amid trade rumors. 

“Ah hindi kasi mga best friend ko sila eh,” he said. “Normal lang na binati ko sila. Kaibigan ko kasi si Jericho at si RR. Parang normal lang na pagbati sa kaibigan.” 

(They’re my best friends. It’s normal that I greeted them.) – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern University may have boosted its chances of securing a Final Four berth with a revenge win over the University of the Philippines, but FEU head coach George Pascua believes they can still be better.

"For me, yung talagang laro nila ah, nakikita ko kasi, nagbabase ako sa training eh,  mga nasa 70%. So meron pang 30% to improve," said Pascua after the Lady Tamaraws' bounce back win from Ateneo's straight-set drubbing. 

(Based on what I see in our trainings, their level of play right now is still at 70%. There's still a 30% room to improve.)

FEU dispatched the UP Lady Maroons in 4 sets, 21-25, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, and tied the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses at 7-4 for 3rd place in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament.

Pascua thinks the Morayta-based squad still have a strong shot at returning to the Finals despite losing to graduation their key cogs led by team star Bernadeth Pons. 

"Kaya naman ng mga veterans ko eh. Yun nga lang, kailangan i-push pa," said Pascua. "More on encouragement and motivation pa para ma-boost yung [confidence] nila, kasi gusto ko sila yung mag-lead sa every game."

(I know my veterans can do it. I just need to boost their confidence by giving them constant encouragement and motivation. I really want them to lead us in every game.)

Senior players Heather Guino-o and captain Jerrili Malabanan were pivotal in the win over UP as they combined for a total of 39 points. 

Malabanan felt proud that they're able to fight and show consistency the entire game compared to their previous losses, including a tough setback versus the league-leading Ateneo Lady Eagles last Wednesday.

“Well I think it was a good thing that we had a game right away after our last game so we were able to move on from it faster and focus on this next game so we’re hoping to bring the energy we had this game and consistency in our next few games,” she said.

Malabanan and the Lady Tamaraws will look to snap up their eighth win against the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday, April 10, at the Filoil Flying V Centre. – Juro Morilla/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra used a strong first half to turn back the Magnolia Hotshots, 86-75, in Game 1 of their best-of-three 2019 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, April 6.

Greg Slaughter led the balanced scoring effort with a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double as the Gin Kings moved within a win of a semifinal berth. 

Art dela Cruz also continued his stellar play and chipped in 14 markers off the bench, including the game-sealing free throws in the clutch of the Manila Clasico opener. 

After a neck-and-neck 1st quarter, Ginebra’s offense came alive in the 2nd and jumped out to a 17-point lead, 37-20, off a massive 20-2 run.

The Gin Kings then led by as many as 21, 52-31, off a Japeth Aguilar turnaround jumper in the 3rd quarter. The Hotshots made a small run to cut the gap to 13, but Slaughter doused their fire with a buzzer-beating putback for the 15-point lead, 62-47, heading to the final frame. 

With good shot selection and scrappy defense, however, Magnolia managed to storm back within single digit, 72-81, in the final 1:50 of regulation after a huge Rodney Brondial triple. 

Not letting up, the ever scrappy Scottie Thompson helped Ginebra regain an 11-point cushion, 84-73, off the and-one fastbreak layup at the last 1:17 of regulation. The Kings would then hold on down the stretch for the win and the crucial 1-0 lead. 

Five players hit double-digits in scoring for the Hotshots, led by Paul Lee’s 15 points.

The series now shifts to the Araneta Coliseum for Game 2 on Monday, April 8, where the Kings look to complete a series sweep. 

The Scores

Ginebra 86 – Slaughter 15, Dela Cruz 13, Aguilar 12, Thompson 12, Tenorio 10, Ferrer 8, Chan 6, Mariano 4, Mercado 3, Caperal 2. 

Magnolia 75 – Lee 15, Sangalang 14, Brondial 11, Melton 10, Ramos 10, Dela Rosa 6, Jalalon 4, Barroca 3, Reavis 2, Herndon 0.

Quarters: 17-18, 44-27, 62-47, 86-75.

– Rappler.com

BAGUIO, Philippines – If Manny Pacquiao’s son, Jimuel, is bent on following his father’s footsteps as a boxer, his other son is also following on the other favorite sport.

Michael Pacquiao saw action as a member of  Brent International School Manila's boys basketball team in the International Schools Activities Conference (ISAC), a three-day event held at the Brent International Baguio from March 29 to 31.

Despite the presence of other famous progenitors like Antonio Andres Muhlach (son of Aga and Charlene Gonzales) and Robert Vincent Anthony Jaworski (son of Dodot and Mikey Cojuangco), the BISM Lions only placed 5th. Pacquiao played well but the Lions were no match against their much taller opponents.

British School Manila dominated both the boys' basketball and girls' football, the only events in the Baguio leg of ISAC, undoubtedly the Ivy League games of the country.

The much-taller BSM bested Cebu International School to win the boys’ basketball crown while BSM girl’s football team won all its 7 games at the Brent football grounds.

Participating teams of the ISAC were Brent International School Baguio, Brent International School Subic, Brent International School Manila, Cebu International School, British School Manila, Faith International Academy, and Southville International Schools and Colleges.

In boys' basketball, Southville beat Brent Baguio to place 3rd.

In girls' football, Southville International Schools and Colleges came in 2nd while Brent International School Subic and host Brent International School Baguio placed 3rd and 4th, respectively.

In each academic year, 3 ISAC tournaments are held in pre-determined venues. Sports event include boy’s and girl’s volleyball, basketball, and football.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – It looks like Ray Parks  has played his last game for Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League.

In an emotional tweet, the son of Hall of Famer Bobby Parks thanked the ABL for letting him be a part of it as he sets his sights back home in the PBA with the Blackwater Elite.

Its been great and learned a lot. Thanks to who supported and allowed me the privilege of being in the league. On to the next chapter. pic.twitter.com/EPqYwSkIfM

— Bobby Ray Parks Jr. (@ray1parks) April 6, 2019

The ABL’s reigning two-time Local MVP and one-time champion bowed out in disappointing fashion after Alab got dethroned in a shocking two-game quarterfinals sweep against Hong Kong Eastern.

After a white-hot start to their title defense campaign, the Jimmy Alapag-coached squad fizzled out with 6 straight losses due to untimely injuries to key cogs like Renaldo Balkman, Caelan Tiongson and Lawrence Domingo. 

Parks finished his three-year stint with the club averaging 16.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists over 75 games. 

The 26-year-old combo guard is soon set to make his long-awaited PBA debut in the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup.  

However, it remains to be seen if the 2018 PBA 2nd overall pick would even boost the struggling Elite as his name is currently in trade rumors with other PBA squads. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – University of the Philippines (UP) may have prevailed in one game without stalwart Isa Molde, but it did not work the same way against preseason rival Far Eastern University (FEU). 

The stinging four-set loss on Saturday, April 6 meant that the Lady Maroons are under the most pressure to crash into the Final Four picture of the UAAP women's volleyball tournament. 

Although Molde – who is suffering from a left ankle injury– only played limited minutes and did not play her usual end-to-end game, UP head coach Godfrey Okumu thinks the problem proved to be more than just that. 

"I believed with the absence of Isa in receiving, I think that we are a man short so we will really need to have work on that, but we were not composed when we started even if Isa was there," said Okumu.

The Lady Maroons fell out of the top 4 anew with a 6-5 record behind Ateneo (9-1), La Salle (7-3),  University of Santo Tomas (7-4) and FEU (7-4). 

According to Molde, there is no definite time frame on when she can play all-out again as the coaches are still waiting for clearance from the physical therapists.

But she's optimistic that she can come back soon and sees the team's loss to FEU as a wakeup call. 

"Siguro kasi laging sinasabi nila coach na ang mga talo is a learning experience siguro nga doon namin malalaman namin kung saan pa ang kaya naming gawin and siguro ano nga wakeup call na rin para sa amin," said Molde. 

(Coach always says that losses are learning experience and this is where we can find out what we still have to work on and this is like a wakeup call for us.) 

Despite UP's injury woes, Okumu credited FEU for an outstanding performance. 

"It is just today the opponents play better, they talk, you can see their serving very hard and we were not that vigilant in passing. Probably they wanted to win more than we wanted to win," the two-year coach said.

To keep their Final Four hopes alive, UP must go for a crucial win against fellow contender UST on Wednesday, April 10 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

Okumu believes that UP must again go back to their strengths – defense, serving and spiking – which weren't in full display against FEU. – Wilmyn Migguel See/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino racer Daniel Miranda conquered his first TCR series competition held from April 6 to 7 in Sepang, Malaysia. 

The Cebuano emerged as the best Asian driver in the tournament after finishing 2nd overall by clocking 25 minutes and 30.977 seconds behind Ecuador's Diego Moran (25:27.461). 

Miranda campaigned in the Hyundai i30 N TCR under team Eurasia Motorsport, which joined the 2019 TCR Asia Series for the first time as well. 

After emerging as the 2017 Vios Cup champion, Miranda shifted to competing in the Asian Formula Renault under Eurasia Motorsport for the 2018 season. 

Miranda, who has been racing for 7 years, started with go-karts in Cebu before moving to Manila.

The 21-year-old, who won Karter of the Year honors, has been competing in international races in Singapore, Macau and Indonesia. He's now focused on a career in touring car racing. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Lady Eagles aim to clinch the first Final Four berth at the expense of National University (NU) while the La Salle Lady Spikers look to dominate the eliminated Adamson Lady Falcons to boost their playoff bid in the UAAP women's volleyball tournament. 

The Lady Eagles, leading the pack with a 9-1 record, hope to sustain their fine form in a bid to secure a 10th straight Final Four appearance on Sunday, April 7, 4 pm at the Araneta Coliseum. 

MVP candidate Kat Tolentino said the Lady Eagles remain focused on their goal to go all the way to the championship round. 

And they have all the tools to pull it off as the top blocking team that boasts of the league's top 3 blockers in Maddie Madayag, Tolentino and Bea de Leon. 

The towering Ateneo net defense looks to limit NU top scorer Princess Robles, who amassed a total of 136 points off 111 spikes, 20 aces and 5 blocks, and captain Roselyn Doria, who looks to ride on her 18-point outburst. 

Robles and Doria are also the league's 1st and 3rd best servers, respectively. 

At 2 pm, defending champion La Salle wants to make sure that eliminated teams like the Adamson Lady Falcons won't spoil their bid for a playoff berth. 

Team captain Desiree Cheng has been responding to head coach Ramil de Jesus' call for leadership as she fired a total of 37 points in her last two games that merited her the UAAP Player of the Week plum. 

La Salle middle blockers Aduke Ogunsanya has been trying to find consistency in her games and hopes to ride on the momentum of her 12-point output against University of Santo Tomas. 

But De Jesus admitted being wary of teams playing with no pressure like the Lady Falcons.

Bernadette Flora has been a consistent threat in the Lady Falcons' end-to-end game as she tallies 109 points off 90 attacks, 13 aces and 6 blocks, while also helping libero Tonnie Rose Ponce with Adamson's digging.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – La Salle made quick work of Adamson as the Lady Spikers forged a straight-set triumph, 25-15, 25-18, 25-16, to inch closer to a playoff berth in the UAAP women's volleyball tournament on Sunday, April 7, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Behind star rookie Jolina dela Cruz, the Lady Spikers came out in full control of the game to clinch the key win that kept the defending champions at solo 2nd with an 8-3 record. 

Dela Cruz pumped in 13 points built on 9 attacks, 2 blocks and 2 aces.

The Lady Spikers think they put up a good showing, noting their improvement on blocks as the team came up with 10 denials in the game.

“Siguro big improvement din sa blocking and sa service sa kung ano ’yung triny namin din i-improve sa training lumabas din in this game,” said La Salle setter Michelle Cobb.

(I guess there’s big improvement in blocking and service since we tried to improve those skills in training and it showed in this game.)

Adamson rookie Trisha Genesis and Bernadette Flora scored 7 points apiece to lead the Lady Falcons.

After an easy opening-set win where the Lady Spikers got off to an 8-1 start, the Lady Falcons tried to put up a challenge in the next frame.

So even if the Lady Spikers had a big 8-3 advantage in the 2nd set, the Lady Falcons managed to pull off a 5-1 run and take a slim lead, 16-15. 

But La Salle soon responded after exiting the second technical timeout, giving Adamson a beating with a 7-0 run, 22-16, to bounce back from the slight hiccup and wrap up the set in its favor, 25-18.

La Salle had another dominating start to the 3rd set, but the Lady Falcons unleashed a 7-1 run to close the gap to one, 9-10.

But that's the closest they could get as the Lady Spikers denied Adamson of a comeback as they easily sealed the win. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The National University Bulldogs romped to their 10th straight victory as the Far Eastern University Tamaraws also stayed in the top two in the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, April 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Bryan Bagunas notched a game-high 23 points, 21 coming from spikes, as the Bulldogs swept the La Salle University Green Spikers, 25-20, 25-21, 25-16.

 Angelo Almendras also finished in double digits with 11 points, while Francis Saura’s attack and block in the 3rd set sealed the match for the Bulldogs 

After dropping their first game of the season, the Bulldogs streaked to 10 straight wins to tighten their grip of the top spot.

The Tamaraws also dispatched the University of the East Red Warriors in straight sets, 25-18, 25-19, 25-12, in the second game.

Jude Garcia scored a game-high 11 points and John Paul Bugaoan chipped in 10 to power the Tamaraws, who kept the 2nd spot with a 9-2 slate. 

La Salle wound up tied with the University of Santo Tomas at 5th place with 4-7 records as UE remained at 7th with a 2-9 card.

John David Delos Reyes and team captain Chris Dumago posted 8 points each to pace the Green Spikers, while the Red Warriors had Angelu Alba and Lloyd Josafat scoring 6 apiece.– Juro Morilla/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Ateneo Lady Eagles got a bit of a scare before finally securing the first Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament.

The Lady Eagles turned back a young but pesky National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs in 4 sets, 25-14, 24-26, 25-17, 25-19, to secure their 10th straight semifinal stint with a league-best 10-1 record on Sunday, April 7, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Jules Samonte tallied a season-high of 13 points while making 19 excellent digs as she led 4 other Lady Eagles who scored double-digits.

Head coach Oliver Almadro admitted that the Lady Eagles had a slightly off day, but hopes that it would be the last.

“Medyo slow kami ngayon. It’s because parang alam niyo naman, law of averages. I guess ito na yun, sana. Sana we peak at the right time na. Marami pa rin kaming adjustment na kailangan i-perfect sa ginagawa namin,” said Almadro.

(We were a bit slow today because it’s the law of averages. I guess this is it. I hope we peak at the right time. We still have a lot of adjustments that we need to perfect.)

NU rookies Ivy Lacsina and Princess Robles continued to lead the Lady Bulldogs with 13 points apiece.

Although Ateneo ousted NU from playoff contention after it fell to 3-8, the Lady Bulldogs didn’t go out without a fight. 

The No. 1 Lady Eagles – the hottest team riding on a 10-game winning streak – took control from the get-go and seemed liked headed for a quick win after a lopsided 25-14 opening frame. 

But the Lady Bulldogs put up a challenge in the 2nd set as they took a 9-8 lead.

Ateneo had a spurt of errors that stretched the NU lead to 12-9, but the Lady Eagles rallied back with a 4-0 run to resume control of the game.

Gelina Luceño lifted the Lady Bulldogs with 3 straight attacks and Princess Robles tied the score at 18-all.

The Lady Eagles reached set point first, 24-23, but NU extended the set and closed it out with a 3-0 run, 26-24, to level the match.

NU rode on its solid second-set momentum, but the Lady Eagles raced back to take the lead, 8-6.  Samonte and Maddie Madayag powered the Ateneo breakaway, 25-17, for a 2-1 match advantage.

But NU again made it a tight duel in the 4th frame. Midway, though, Ateneo escaped the deadlock thanks to a 6-1 run that gave it a four-point cushion, 18-14.

Although NU got within two points, 20-18, the Lady Eagles sealed the win with a 5-1 run.  – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – A mental lapse proved costly for home team Bataan Risers in the 2019 Chooks-to-Go 3X3 Asia Pacific Super Quest.

The Risers were victims to a late-game meltdown by Santi Santillan, wasting their valiant stand against world No. 19 Tokyo Dime, 22-20, in the finale at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall on Sunday, April 7.

"Good fight. It was a physical game, a tough game and I like it. Filipino guys are very tough," said Tokyo Dime's Tomoyo Ochiai, Japan's top-ranked 3x3 player. 

Masahiro Komatsu drained the game winning two-pointer over the outstretched arms of Santillan with 33 seconds to spare, to finish off the Risers who earlier looked moments away from taking the championship in the race-to-21 game. 

With 1:21 left, Alvin Pasaol scored inside to put Bataan to just a point away, 20-18, of clinching the match.

A quick basket by Tokyo’s Serbian reinforcement Peter Perunovic cut the lead to just a solitary point. However, Santillan got stuck underneath, calling a timeout.

But Bataan – which led by as many as 5 in the game – had no timeouts to burn, resulting to a technical foul.

"Siyempre pagsisi," lamented Santillan, who also missed a potential championship-clinching shot. "Down ako kasi parang ako yung dahilan kung bakit natalo, pero nandiyan yung mga teammates ko, naging positive mga sinasabi nila sa akin."

(Of course there was regret. I felt down because I was the reason we lost, but my teammates were there telling me only positive things.)

World no. 97 Ochiai led Tokyo with 6 points as Pernuovic chipped in 5 for the champions, who bagged the US $50,000 prize and punched tickets to both the 2019 FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters in Doha, Qatar from April 18 to 19 and FIBA 3X3 Challenger Penang on May 12 to 13.

Pasaol led the Risers with 7 points as Travis Franklin added 6 for the runners-up, who took home $15,000 and a ticket to the World Tour in Doha as well. 

Tokyo Dime denied an All-Filipino finale after eking out a 16-11 win over the Pasig Grindhouse Kings.

Pasig, which already qualified to the World Tour Masters Doha by winning the President's Cup, will also compete in the Kunshan Challengers from May 18 to 19 following their third-place finish. The Kings also brought home $7,000. 

Jakarta West, which 1Bataan defeated in the semis 21-18, pocketed  $4,000 and will also head to Kunshan.

Ulaanbaatar, Aotearoa, SSLC, and  TSV Reading Cinemas went home with $1,000 for finishing in the top 8.

The Scores

Tokyo Dime 22 – Ochiai 6, Perunovic 6, Komatsu 5, Suzuki 5,  

1Bataan 20 – Pasaol 7, Franklin 5, Santillan 5, Dehesa 3.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine got solid contribution from its bench as the Elasto Painters dispatched the NorthPort Batang Pier, 91-86, to clinch a semifinal berth in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, April 7.

Ed Daquioag drained a game-high 15 markers and Rey Nambatac fired 14 to lead the impressive outing of Rain or Shine’s support crew in the quarterfinal duel. 

“Before the game started, I told the players that the only thing I’m worried about is the 1st quarter because we haven’t played for at least 3 weeks,” said Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia of his squad, which held a twice-to-beat edge as the No. 2 seed.

“I just told the players any given time, you just have to step up. They were guarding James [Yap] the whole game, so the good thing is the others stepped up.”

NorthPort guard Garvo Lanete erupted for 20 markers off the bench, but the Batang Pier clearly missed the contributions of team star Sean Anthony, who sat out the game due to an untimely groin injury.

NorthPort – which advanced to the quarterfinals by riding on a playoff-clinching three-game winning streak – weathered Rain or Shine’s strong 2nd quarter and moved within striking distance late in the 3rd, 59-62, after an and-one post move by Mo Tautuaa. 

However, the Elasto Painters answered with an 11-0 run, ending with a crafty stepback three by  Nambatac for the 14-point lead, 73-59. 

Rain or Shine then kept that distance deep into the 4th, peaking with a Javee Mocon jumper at the 4:13 mark for the 89-74 lead.

NorthPort squeezed out a desperate 8-0 run on the heels of Jonathan Grey and Paolo Taha, but it was too little, too late as Rain or Shine held on for the win.

Tautuaa led NorthPort’s last stand with 24 points and 7 rebounds on a 10-of-17 clip. 

The Scores

Rain or Shine 91 – Daquioag 15, Nambatac 14, Belga 13, Ponferada 8, Norwood 8, Mocon 8, Yap 7, Ahanmisi 5, Torres 5, Borboran 4, Rosales 4, Maiquez 0, Onwubere 0, Alejandro 0.

NorthPort 85 – Tautuaa 24, Lanete 20, Grey 11, Pringle 9, Taha 7, Bolick 5, Guinto 4, Flores 0, Gabayni 0, Sollano 0.

Quarters: 14-17, 43-33, 73-62, 91-85.  

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Phoenix Fuel Masters wrote their names on the right side of history after booting out the Alaska Aces, 91-76, in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, April 7.

Jason Perkins erupted for a career-high 31 points on an 11-of-15 shooting as Phoenix clinched its first ever semifinals berth in franchise history, breaking a six-playoff game losing streak.

Calvin Abueva chipped in a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double with 5 assists off the bench as he watched his old team bow out of contention. 

“We just got the semifinals and we’re waiting for the Talk 'N Text and San Miguel teams, both heavyweights,” said Phoenix coach Louie Alas post-game.

“But I’m not complaining. We’re in the semis, first in history, then first win of Phoenix in the playoffs in 3 years. So we’re more than happy.”

Perkins dropped 8 straight points in a 10-0 run as Phoenix turned a 30-all deadlock to a 40-30 gap with 2:53 left to play in the 2nd quarter. 

Things only got worse for the Aces in the 3rd as they absorbed an 11-0 quarter-ending run to go down 23, 49-72, after 3. 

The Fuel Masters then kept their foot on the gas and peaked their beatdown at 28 points, 89-61, off a pair of Perkins free throws with 3:53 left in regulation.

Veteran guard JV Casio paced Alaska in the sorry loss with 19 points off the bench while Simon Enciso chipped in 15 markers.

The Scores

Phoenix 91 – Perkins 31, Wright 14, Abueva 12, Jazul 6, Mendoza 6, Chua 6, Revilla 6, Kramer 5, Mallari 2, Marcelo 3, Intal 0, Guevarra 0, Gamboa 0, Napoles 0, Dennison 0.

Alaska 76 – Casio 19, Enciso 15, Teng 12, Banchero 6, Galliguez 6, Cruz 4, Baclao 4, Ayaay 3, Pascual 2, Thoss 2, Exciminiano 2, Racal 1, Babilonia 0.

Quarters: 18-15, 47-35, 72-49, 91-76. 

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine sure didn’t take long to move on from Chris Tiu’s retirement.

That quick development was on full display on Sunday night, April 7, as second-year guard Rey Nambatac powered the Elasto Painters to a 91-85 win against the NorthPort Batang Pier.

Much like the veteran once in his place, the former Letran star sparked the Rain or Shine bench with 14 points and 4 triples in the semifinal-clinching victory.

“Thankful ako kay coach Caloy [Garcia] and sa coaching staff na pinagkakatiwalaan nila ako,” he said after the game.

“Yung opportunity na yun di ko sinayang eh, kasi noong nag-announce si Chris Tiu na magre-retire na siya, pumasok na sa isip ko na anytime soon, baka madagdagan yung minuto ko o ako yung papalit sa spot ni Chris. So yung mga ganung bagay, tine-take advantage ko na and eto nga, nagbunga na.”

(I’m thankful to coach Caloy and the coaching staff for trusting me. I didn’t waste that opportunity because when Chris Tiu announced his retirement, I immediately thought that I’d get more minutes anytime soon or I’d take over Chris’ spot. I took advantage of those kinds of things and here it is, paying off.) 

Tiu, who was watching live for the first time as a fan, was very much pleased with what he saw from the young gun. 

“I’m very happy for him. I haven’t been really watching the game, but I’ve been looking at the stats and seeing some highlights and you know, his improvement has been remarkable,” he said. “From when he first joined the team till now, he really got more skilled. And I guess, his hard work is really paying off.” 

“That kid is so hardworking in practice and [he’s] very coachable, you know, when you give him advice, he really takes it to heart and he listens,” Tiu continued. “He wants to learn, he wants to get better. Plus he’s being given opportunities by coach Caloy, so his confidence is high now and I’m happy for him.” 

As Rain or Shine again plays the waiting game on the winner of the Manila Clasico quarterfinals between Ginebra and Magnolia, Nambatac promised to be more consistent and prove that Sunday night wasn’t a one-off.

“Kami yung young guns. Masasabi ko na dapat kami yung magse-set ng tempo sa depensa,” he said. “Siguro uunahan namin sa pagiging aggressive sa loob ng court para yung mga beterano namin, mahawa din.”

“Pagka di kami naging effective sa loob ng court [sa] mga usual na ginagawa namin na hustle, aggressiveness, eh mahihirapan kaming ipanalo yung game,” he continued. “So yun lang, naging consistent kami dun sa mga ganung sitwasyon.”

(We are the young guns. I can say that we have to set the tempo on defense. We have to lead on being aggressive on the court so that it can rub off on the veterans as well. If we are not effective on the court with our usual hustle and aggressiveness, we’d have a hard time winning the games. So there, we became consistent in those situations.) – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Not even a 10th straight Final Four appearance will force the Ateneo Lady Eagles to let their guards down in their UAAP Season 81 women's volleyball tournament campaign. 

The Lady Eagles solidified their hold of the top spot and officially clinched their semifinals slot with a four-set win over the NU Lady Bulldogs on Sunday, April 7, and they have no plans of getting complacent. 

"We don't want to show that just because we're part of the Final Four, easy-easy na lang 'yan. Of course, 'yung mga patapos na games, we really want to finish it strong pa rin," said veteran Maddie Madayag

(We don't want to show that just because we're part of the Final Four, everything's going to be easy. Of course we want to finish strong in our remaining games.) 

Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro echoed Madayag's sentiments and emphasized that the team is preparing for the long term, and not just claiming a top 4 finish. 

"I told them that the eliminations will not determine your character right away now that you're in the Final Four," Almadro said. 

One reason not to relax is that NU managed to take the 2nd set and threatened Ateneo in the early stages of the 3rd and 4th set.

"It doesn't matter who we're playing, and I think we just always have to win convincingly and we'll learn from this," Kat Tolentino said. (READ: Ateneo's Kat Tolentino bags 2nd UAAP Player of the Week plum)

The Lady Eagles have 3 elimination round games remaining, with none bigger than their match against rivals La Salle Lady Spikers at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, April 13. 

"La Salle is the top team, they're the defending champions, so we'll just do things that matter and we'll really keep pushing ourselves up because we know that great teams will just push us forward," Almadro said. – Juro Morilla/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The top spot is far from the La Salle Lady Spikers' minds for now in the UAAP Season 81 women's volleyball tournament. 

Even if they are only a few wins behind the league-leading Ateneo Lady Eagles, Michelle Cobb said the Lady Spikers do not pay attention to the win-loss chart that much. 

"Hindi sa amin pinapaintindi 'yung standings kasi ngayon, 'yung goal lang namin is one game at a time," she said.

(Our coaches don't make us focus on the standings because our goal as a team is to play one game at a time.)

"I guess our goal is the top 2. As long as we're in the top 2 and we get the twice-to-beat advantage, I think that's a big thing already for us." 

The former St Scholastica's College Manila standout helped the Lady Spikers win their third straight and improve to 8-3 by recording 18 excellent sets and an ace in a straight-sets win over the Adamson Lady Falcons on Sunday, April 7. 

La Salle is second in the rankings behind Ateneo, which holds a league-best 10-1 record.

But the Lady Spikers can reduce the gap when they clash against the Lady Eagles at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, April 13.

"Siguro mas mag-focus kami sa pukpukan sa training kasi doon kami kukuha ng kumpiyansa in preparation for this Saturday's game," said Cobb. 

(Maybe we'll focus more on our trainings because that's where we'll get our confidence heading into our next game.)– Juro Morilla/Rappler.com

PARIS, France – Paris Saint-Germain squandered the chance to clinch the Ligue 1 title in record-equalling time after being held to a 2-2 draw at home by Strasbourg on Sunday, April 7 (Monday, April 8, Philippine time). 

PSG were handed the opportunity to win their sixth French crown in 7 seasons after second-placed Lille drew 1-1 at Reims earlier.

That left Thomas Tuchel's side knowing that 3 points at the Parc des Princes would see them retain the title and wrap it up with 8 games to spare, matching the speed with which Laurent Blanc's team became champions in 2016.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting gave them an early lead, and it looked as though the home side would get the job done despite Kylian Mbappe being left on the bench at kick-off and Neymar, Edinson Cavani and Angel Di Maria all missing out due to injury.

However, Strasbourg came into this game fresh from winning the League Cup last weekend and they fought back to lead before halftime with Nuno Da Costa turning in a Lionel Carole cross to equalize and Anthony Goncalves lashing home from 22 yards to make it 2-1 in the 36th minute.

Mbappe came off the bench on the hour mark but it was another substitute who made it 2-2 with 8 minutes remaining. Julian Draxler sent in a corner from the right and Germany defender Thilo Kehrer headed home.

However, having drawn at home to PSG back in December, mid-table Strasbourg then held on for a point.

A huge 20 points clear at the summit and with a game in hand, PSG will now hope to secure the eighth league title in their history when they go to Lille next weekend.

Choupo-Moting shocker 

A point will be enough in that game, but PSG should have finished the job here – Choupo-Moting somehow managed to turn a net-bound Christopher Nkunku shot onto the post in the first half in one of the worst misses you are ever likely to see, and Dani Alves hit the bar after the break.

Earlier, Jose Fonte's 56th-minute header had Lille on course to take all 3 points away to Reims in Champagne country, but substitute Remi Oudin's 78th minute leveller –initially ruled out for offside but then given after a VAR review – denied the visitors.

Reims were also left furious at the referee's decision to ignore a handball in the box by Lille defender Adama Soumaoro in stoppage time as the home side appealed for a penalty.

Lille are more concerned with holding off the teams below them as they look to secure 2nd place, which provides automatic qualification for next season's Champions League group stage.

The draw at the Stade Auguste-Delaune moved them 5 points clear of third-placed Lyon, who slumped to a shock 3-1 loss at home to relegation-threatened Dijon on Saturday.

"If we had won I think we would have sealed our place on the podium," said Lille coach Christophe Galtier.

"We are 11 points ahead of Saint-Etienne but there are still 21 points to play for."

Fourth-placed Saint-Etienne drew 2-2 at Amiens on Saturday, while Marseille, at 5th, were beaten 2-0 at Bordeaux on Friday. Reims are just a point behind OM at 6th. – Rappler.com

BEIJING, China – Malaysian professional golfer Arie Irawan has died at the age of 28 in China where he was competing in the Sanya Championship.

A PGA Tour statement said Irawan was found dead in his hotel room on the resort island of Hainan on Sunday morning, April 7. 

"Early indications his death was from natural causes. The coroner has not completed his report," the PGA Tour statement said.

Irawan had been competing in the PGA Tour Series-China's Sanya Championship, where he missed the 36-hole cut but had remained on-site.

According to the PGA Tour, "His roommate, American Kevin Techakanokboon, who had already awoken and was getting ready for his final round, noticed Irawan was unresponsive in his bed."

"This is just a terrible tragedy that affects all of us who are part of a very tight-knit family here in China," said Greg Carlson, PGA Tour Series-China executive director.

Irawan, who attended the University of Tulsa on a golf scholarship, turned professional in 2013 and won two Asian Developmental Tour events in his seven-year career.

Organizers cancelled the final round in Hainan out of respect for Irawan's family, with American Trevor Sluman declared the winner. – Rappler.com